1991 Toyota Tercel Reviews - Page 5 of 7

1991 Toyota Tercel DX 1.4L 4-cylinder from North America

Summary:

It's compact and great on gas, plus they'll last up to 300,000 miles or more

Faults:

I have had this car for almost two years now and it has a bad valve, which it had since I bought the car. But to have a burnt valve and only be running on 3 cylinders, it has been the toughest car I ever owned. This problem arose possibly because the previous owner hadn't taken such great care of it. That being said, it will have to suffice a bit longer until I find something else. There are times, especially on cold starts, where the car has a slow time shifting, but once it is warm I would put it against any car I have previously owned; just can't beat a Toyota. Currently, the problem has worsened: with the car burning a little more oil and fuel economy worsening but still driving fine.

The seats also aren't in such great condition due to increased wear over the years, but that's expected. Also, don't expect this thing to be a family car it is mainly a "gas-mizer".

The only thing I wish the car had was five gears, because even though it has a bad cylinder, it screams for a fifth gear if it's been taken care of!

General Comments:

The paint on these cars is also remarkable, especially since it is about 13 years old.

Tread wear is great!

Acceleration is better with a manual, but it doesn't really like going too much over 70mph.

I use this car for commuting around campus and it has well earned its keep.

For as easy and cheap as it is to maintain these cars, I wish I had three more just to replace this one! They take a beating and then some...

21st May 2004, 14:17

I have owned a 1967-1971-1990 Toyota and currently own a 1991 Tercel. The first three were bought new and the 1991 was bought with 5,000 K's on it. The best of the bunch was the 1967 Corona (very well built) I kept the 1971 for 21 years. I still have the 1991 Tercel and it has performed magnificently. It now has 110,000 K's (I live in Canada) and hasn't caused any problems what so ever. The secret is taking care of it. It is in mint condition. I am buying a new Toyota this year, but will keep the 1991 Tercel as a second car because maintenance is very low and it is very economical with gas prices going throught the roof>